Maroon Bush - Scaevola spinescens

Maroon Bush (aka. Currant Bush) is nicknamed the “prickly fan flower” for its prickly foliage, fan-shaped flowers and fan-like growth. It features in Aboriginal bush medicine as a treatment for cancer, heart disease, intestinal conditions, kidney and urinary conditions, and general illness. A hardy dry-weather shrub, Maroon Bush can be found in semi-arid sand plains and scrublands throughout every state except Tasmania and Victoria.

Most commonly consumed as tea, the leaves, flowers and berries of this plant can be simmered (covered) in water for up to 40 minutes, then left to cool overnight before straining and drinking. The roots were also infused in water and taken to help with digestive pain. The berries themselves are edible, tasting best when purple-black in colour (ripe).

This species flowers throughout most of the year with small creamy white to yellow blooms, with petals that spread open in a fan-like shape. As the fruit follows flowering, a healthy Maroon Bush should regularly bear a scattering of purple oval berries about 5mm in diameter. Harvest leaves and berries by hand or prune whole branches for the kitchen, but take care as older branches grow spines!

Maroon Bush is a hardy evergreen similar in appearance to rosemary and preferring similar conditions. Choose a full-sun or partly shaded spot with fertile soil that drains easily. Established plants will tolerate drought, sandy soils and some salinity.

Usually growing no bigger than 2m, this bird-attracting bush food is great for empty spaces, scrub-themed landscapes, hedgerows and even an edible bonsai.

Aboriginal name(s):

• Murin Murin (Noongar)